Having itchy scalp is a common problems for people in any age. There are many conditions that lead to this symptom. One of them is seborrheic dermatitis.

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This skin disease might look similar to allergic reaction or psoriasis. Let’s find out more about this disease.

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, seborrhea or cradle cap in babies, is a common skin disease that can cause itchy rash with flaky scales. It usually happens on scalp, but it can appear anywhere on your body too.

Unlike many other forms of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is not the result of an allergy or from being unclean. It is also not contagious.

What Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Look Like?

Seborrheic dermatitis can appear anywhere on the body a lot of oil-producing (sebaceous) glands like at the scalp, nose, upper chest, in skin folds under your arms and on your legs and your upper back.

Babies often get this skin problem too, but it usually known as cradle cap with crusty yellow to brown scales appear on their scalp.

Parents might mistake it with diaper rash for its similarity in symptoms. Seborrheic dermatitis in babies usually go away before they turn a year old, but it might come back when they reach puberty.

It often appears on the scalp with symptoms can range from dry flakes like dandruff to yellow and greasy scales with reddened skin.

Common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:

  • Itch or burn
  • Redness
  • Greasy scales
  • White or yellowish dry, crusty flakes

What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. It seems to be a mix of some factors including:

  • Your genes and hormone
  • Yeast that lives on your skin
  • Stress
  • An immune system respond
  • Certain medical conditions and medicines
  • Harsh detergents, solvents, chemicals and soaps
  • Cold, dry weather

Seborrheic Dermatitis Risk Factors

People of any age can develop seborrheic dermatitis, including infants under 3 months to adults ages 30 to 60. In general, it is slightly more common in men than in women. It is also more common in people with oily skin.

These following conditions can also raise your risk of getting seborrheic dermatitis:

  • Epilepsy
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Psoriasis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alcoholism
  • Acne
  • Rosacea
  • Eating disorder
  • Depression

When to see a doctor?

Because seborrheic dermatitis can look like other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, seeing a doctor is important to get the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

Go to Okadoc.com or download our mobile app, and choose your preferred method of meeting your Dermatologist.